The Role of a Telecom Network Planning Engineer: Duties & Skills

In today's fast-paced world, telecommunication networks have become an essential part of our daily lives, connecting people and businesses across the globe. The seamless functioning of these networks is crucial for companies and individuals alike, and this is where telecom network planning engineers come in. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining telecommunication networks.

With the roll-out of 5G networks worldwide and the growing demand for higher bandwidth and faster connectivity, the need for skilled telecom network planning engineers to plan and optimize network infrastructure has also increased.

Why Should You Learn About 5G Technologies?

In India, telecom companies are actively hiring telecom network planning engineers to support massive expansion activities. A report by Global Industry Analysts projects that the global market for telecom network planning and optimization services will reach $18.2 billion by 2027, driven by the growing demand for high-speed data services and the deployment of 5G networks.

As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve and new technologies emerge, the need for specialized network design and optimization professionals will likely continue to increase.  So, if you are interested in the field of telecommunications and have a passion for technology, a network planning course could be a good investment in your career in 2023 and beyond.

Must-Have Skills of a Telecom Network Planning Engineer

Telecom network planning engineers play a crucial role in developing, deploying, and optimizing telecom networks. To excel in this field, a network planning engineer should possess the following must-have skills:

• Strong understanding of telecom network planning principles, procedures, and standards.
• Proficiency in using network planning tools and software, such as MATLAB, Wireshark, TEOCO ASSET Suite, and Atoll.
• In-depth knowledge of cellular and WiFi system architectures and their standards.
• Expertise in link budget calculations and propagation modeling for accurate network design.
• Familiarity with backhaul network design and optimization for efficient network performance.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex network issues. Must have research skills to explore and apply the sector's best practices and technical breakthroughs.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in the telecom industry to stay ahead of the curve.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Network Planning Engineer

As a network planning engineer, you will be responsible for a range of duties related to installing, managing, and optimizing cellular and wireless networks. A network engineer's critical responsibilities include the following:

• Installing and configuring hardware and software, including those for backups and system performance monitoring, to ensure optimal network performance.
• Troubleshooting network issues to prevent downtime and ensure the network operates at peak performance levels.
• Developing plans to address consistent wireless network problems and identifying strategies to improve network efficiency.
• Collaborating with vendors and network managers on network implementation and deployment to ensure smooth and efficient operation.
• Installing and managing firewalls and other network security protections to safeguard against unauthorized access and potential threats.
• Providing training to in-house staff on wireless technologies.
• Continuously testing network performance to identify improvement areas and ensure optimal performance levels.
• Modifying and upgrading network equipment to meet changing business requirements and user needs.
• Deploying access points appropriately and effectively to ensure optimal network coverage and performance.
• Conduct site surveys to assess network coverage and identify areas where network performance can be improved.

The responsibilities of a wireless network engineer may vary depending on the organization's specific needs. While wireless network engineers are primarily responsible for planning and designing wireless networks, network administrators typically handle day-to-day operations and maintenance tasks.

Cellular and Wireless Network Planning Engineer Salary

According to data from Payscale, the average salary of a Cellular and Wireless Network Planning Engineer in the United States can earn anywhere from $67,000 to $160,000 annually. According to data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a Wireless Network Engineer in India is around ₹6,00,000 per year. In cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai, the average salary can range from ₹4,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 per year. 

Moreover, with the increasing demand for network planning engineers due to the growing reliance on wireless technologies and communication networks, salaries in this field are expected to rise in the coming years.

Conclusion

According to a report by India Ratings and Research, the Indian telecom industry is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2021-2025. This growth is attributed to increased smartphone penetration, the growing popularity of OTT services, and the nationwide launch of 5G services.

As a result, there is an increasing demand for network planning engineers due to the expanding use of wireless technologies and communication networks. Consider enrolling Skill-Lync’s PG Program in 5G Network Design and Development to mask the key technologies related to the telecom domain. Talk to our ex[perts to book your free demo.